Crossrail Canary Wharf Station Green Roof

To increase its public transportation network, London is in the process of building the Canary Wharf Station, complete with a green roof!

According to World Architecture News, the station will "...boost the British economy by at least £20bn, creating and supporting thousands of jobs and adding 10 per cent extra capacity to London's public transport network."

A project this size hasn't been seen in London for over 50 years, and fortunately building techniques have changed for the better. The building of the station is being carried out with

"...environmentally responsible construction methods, including the silent piling rigs and coffer dam to partially dewater the dock, minimise disruption to office occupiers, local businesses and residents.”

While pictures indicate a green roof on the Canary Wharf station, there has been controversy as to whether other stations will have green roofs also.

According to Building, in its 20 October 2008 article,

Cabe’s design review panel said the practice’s material for the proposed Isle of Dogs station was “largely illustrative,” and complained of a “lack of hardline drawings giving exact information”.

It said it was not convinced the scheme’s green roof could be achieved, asked for clearer detail on the predicted movement flow through the station, and said more work could be done to open up the park element of the scheme to visitors.

Although I haven't found any further updates on the controversy, London does have at least four additional designs for green roofs. More information can be found here.

This improvement to the underground system in London will provide not only improved quality of life inside the city, but also a better environment through green roofs.

An Enormous Green Roof for Seoul

Seoul, South Korea plans to improve the Garak Wholesale Market with a 131 acre green roof. To put things in perspective, Vatican City is only 110 acres.

According to World Architecture News, local residents complained of the smell from rotting vegetables in the market. A design competition was held to clear the air and improve the area.

Samoo Architects & Engineers have created a design to not only reduce the smell of kimchi, but also to improve public, retail, and wholesale spaces.

Several design elements will create efficiencies in the market area. From the article:

"The two functions will be distinctive and separate with a focus on efficiency within the wholesale quarter, and festivity within the retail quarter... Three pavilions with enhanced daylight and ventilation via Eco-tubes will replace two existing structures to provide a greater footprint for fruit and vegetables. Fisheries and Meat pavilions will be located at the northern edge to allow better access from delivery vehicles and will emit a night glow to give visual presence towards the transport."

The green roof will also provide space for recreational activity, walking, and improved aesthetics. Although the article doesn't mention it, the addition of such a large green roof will also improve the air quality of Seoul. By reducing fine particulate air pollution on such a large scale, the whole city will benefit. Additionally, Seoul's water treatment system will enjoy the benefits of the green roof. More storm water will be captured and filtered by the green roof, improving the efficiency of the water treatment system.

As South Korea grows in economic importance, it is exciting to see such a significant, sustainable, project taking shape in the capital city.